Pressure compensator device for pumps



Feb. 27, 1968 T. s. THORPE, SR

PRESSURE COMPENSATOR DEVICE FOR PUMPS 5 Sheets-Sheet l Filed April 7, 1966 Feb. 27, 1968 T. s. THORPE, SR

PRESSURE COMPENSATOR DEVICE FOR PUMPS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 7, 1966 Fig.2

INVENTOR.

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PRESSURE COMPENSATOR DEVICE FOR PUMPS Filed April '7, 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet I5 Thurson S. Thorpe, Sr:

INVENTOR,

United States Patent Ghfiee 3,370,544 Patented Feb. 27, 1968 3,370,544 PRESSURE COMPENSATOR DEVICE FOR PUB/ES Thurston S. Thorpe, Sr., Rte. 2, Box 123, Somerville, Tenn. 38068 Filed Apr. 7, 1966, Ser. No. 540,983 9 Claims. (Cl. 103-223) ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to pumping systems and more particularly to pumping systems associated with private deep well water sources.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide in combination with a deep well pumping system, pressure storing facilities for meeting the normal demands for water under pressure without the use of any pressure water tanks.

A further object of the present invention is to provide in combination with `a water supply conduit to which a submersible water pump is connected, water pressure compensating facilities for meeting fluctuating demand by means of one or more expansible units connected between the discharge end of the pump and the water outlets.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide pressure regulating units adapted to be mounted below ground within a well bore in a vertical position or alternatively in a horizontal position and cooperating with pressure responsive control means to meet the requirement-s of the water supply system within an operating pressure range of discharge pressure without any Water storing tanks.

In accordance -with the foregoing object, the water supply conduit is provided with one or more expansible chamber units consisting of a perforated pipe section enclosed within an elongated, tubular member made of a yieldably elastic material such as rubber forming an expansible chamber about the perforated pipe section in fluid communication with the supply conduit through which water :under pressure is supplied from the pump to the outlets being serviced. Thu-s, as long as water under pressure within the operating pressure range is being conducted through the supply cond-uit, the chamber enclosed within the tubular member is expanded radially to limits prescribed by an external rigid casing enclosing one or more of the expansible units, each unit also including facilities for limiting axial expansion of the tubular member.

These together -with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent resi-de in the details of construction and yoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE l is a side elevational view of an installed pumping system 'with which the present invention is a-ssociated;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the pumping equipment with one of the pressure compensating units shown in section;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view through the pressure compensator unit in a different operative condition tha that shown in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a transverse section View taken substantially through a plane indicated by the section line 4-4 in FIGURE 2;

-FIGURE 5 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially through a plane indicated by section line 5-5 in FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of one of the parts associated with the pressure compensator unit;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view illustrating other parts associated with the pressure compensator unit;

FIGURE 8 illustrates an alternative arrangement for the equipment associated with the present invention;

FIGURE 9 is a simplified circuit diagram showing the control system associated with the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, FIGURE 1 illustrates a typical, deep well pumping system generally enoted by reference numeral 10 wherein a supply of water is obtained by means of a commercially available, submersible water pump unit located at the bottom ofa well bore 12 to which a drop pipe 14 is connected. The drop pipe 14 is in fluid communication with a water supply pipe 16 connected to a plurality of outlets such as the water outlet 18, Energization of the pump unit is controlled through a motor control box 20 and a pressure switch device 22. Accordingly, the water supply conduit 16 is connected to the outlet pipe 24 by means of a T-coupling 26 .to which the pressure switch device 22 isV connected so as to regulate the discharge pressure. A pressure monitoring gauge 28 is also connected in the pipe section 30 connecting the T-coupling 26 with the pressure switch device while a disconnect switch assembly 32 is electrically connected between the pressure switch device 22 and the underground cable 34 connected to the pump unit. Electrical connections are also established from the motor control box 20 to the pump unit through the electrical cable 36.

In accordance with the present invention, the drop pipe 14 extends into an elongated tubular 6 inch diameter casing 38 made of polyvinyl chloride (NSF) plastic material within which one or more pressure compensator units 40 are housed through which water under pressure is conducted to the outlet conduit 24 connected to the upper end of the casing 38 by means of the elbow 42. The casing 38 may therefore extend above the ground line 44 by a suitable amount whiie the pressure compensator unit 40 may be located below the frost line so as to avoid any damage thereto because of extremely low temperatures. The electrical power cable 36 from the motor control box 20 extends through the casing 38 and the 4 inch polyvinyl chloride (NSF) plastic material extension 46 extending thereybelow toward the pump unit.

Referring now to FIGURE 2, the casing 38 is closed at is upper end by a cap 48 through which a` discharge conduit section 50 extends so as to center the casing 38 in concentric relation thereto and supply water under pressure through elbow 42 to the outlet conduit 24 above ground. At the lower end of the casing 38 a pipe reducer 52 connects the casing to the reduced diameter casing section 46 and supports a plastic, spacer washer 54 through which the drop pipe 14 extends into the casing 38 so as to be axially aligned With the conduit section S0. The electrical power cable 36 also extends through an opening in the spacer washer 54.

The conduit section 50 and drop pipe 14 are respectively eonnected by adapters S5 and 58 to internally threaded connector fittings and 62 between which a perforated pipe section 64 is assembled forming part of the pressure compensator unit 40 aforementioned. The perforated pipe section will conduct water under pressure between the conduit sections 14 and 50 but will also establish ftuid communication vwith an expansible chamber 66 formed thereabout through a plurality of small, staggered'holes 68 formed in the pipe section 64 for this purpose. In the illustrated embodiment, eight of such holes 68 are shown. The expansible chamber 66 isformed aboutatheaperforated pipe section by means of an elongated rtubular member 70 made of a suitable, yieldably elastic material such as rubber.

'-Refer-ring now'to vFIGURES 6 land 7 as well asFIG- URE 2 will Vbe observed that the tubular member 70 is clamped to the fittings 60 and 62 adjacent the opposite axial ends 72, by a pair of stainless steel clamping rings 74 so as to completely enclose the perforated pipe section 64 between the ends 72. Also mounted in fixed spaced relation to each other are a pair of end caps 76 fand 78 which extend radially beyond the clamping rings 74, the end cap 76 being held assembled between the fitting 60 and the adapter 56 while the end cap 78 is assembledibetweenfthe fitting 62 and .the adapter 58. In the collapsed condition `of the tubular member 7u shown in FIGURE 2, the ends 72 of the tubular member are axially spaced by a small amount from the end caps 76 and 78. However, when the tubular member is fully expanded as shown in 'FIGURE 3, the ends of the tubularmem'ber are displaced into engagement with the end caps so as to limit further axial expansion of the chamber 65 by the water under pressure and'thereby effectively seal the chamber at the -axial ends about the ttings 60 and 62. Radial expansion of the tubular member on the other hand is limited bythe internal walls of the tubular casing 33.

With reference to FGURE 9, it will be observed that pressure is maintained in the water supply system during use by energizing the pump unit through the drive motor 80 to operate the pump 82 maintaining a discharge pressure within a predetermined pressure range by means of the pressure switch device 22. For example, the motor 80 may be kept energized to drive the pump 82 as long as the discharge pressure sensed by the pressure switch device 22 is between a lower limit of 20 p.s.i. and an Vupper limit of 50 p.s.i. When the pressure exceeds 50 p.s.i., the pressure switch 22 is operative through the motor control 20 to deenergize the motor 8G. After the motor is cutof`r`,fthe discharge pressure will decrease and when it decreases below the lower limit of 20 p.s.i. the pressure -switch device 22 is operative through the -motor control to reenergize the motor to start operation of the pump 82. In order to regulate the aforementioned increase and decrease in the pressure, and thereby meet any'normal demand, one or more of the pressure compensator units 40 are mounted in the fluid supply line between the pump and the outlets. Accordingly, as the pressure within the fluid supply line approaches the upper limit of its operating pressure range, the tubular member 70 will be expanded to the condition shown in FIGURE 3. As long as the pumping system is in operation, the pressure compensating units 40 will expand and contract continually according to the pumping pressure as it ranges from 20 p.s.i. to 50 p.s.i. The pressure compensating units 40 expand under pressure from the pump until pressure reaches p.s.i. when the pump automatically cuts olf. The pressure compensating units 40 then begin contraction forcing water out through the outlet 18, until pressure drops to 20 p.s.i. at which time the pump will begin running and cycle is repeated. The continual expansion and contracting of the pressure compensating units 40 maintain pressure within the operating range of 20 p.s.i. to 50 p.s.i. regardless of the demand, this being accomplished without the need of any auxiliary water tanks connected to the water supply line.

indicated hereinbefore, a plurality of units 40 may be mounted within the tubular casing 3S depending upon the' requirements of the system. Further, although the -units 40 are shown mounted in a vertical position, it will be appreciated that they may also be mounted in a horizontal position. FIGURE 8 accordingly shows such an installation wherein a pressure compensator unit gen- 4 erally referred to by reference numeral 40 is mounted horizontally within a horizontally positioned casing'3'8, the outlet conduit 24 being directly connected to the unit 40 by the elbows S4 and S5 and pipe section 88. Conduit section connects -the unit to the pump while the power cable 36' supplies electrical energy .to the motor operated pump from -the motor control box 20. The arrangement sho\vnin,.FIGURESist-therefore also associated with the pressure switch device .22, pressure gauge 2S and disconnect switch v1a0-asfdescr'ibed in connection with FIGURES l and 2 and operates in the same manner to regulate the supply 'of 'water under pressure from a deep'well source.

The foregoing is considered asillustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to ythose skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the `linvenl tion to the exact construction and loperation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications `and equivalents may be resorted to, Vfalling within 'thescope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimedas new -is yas follows:

1. In combination with a pump for supplying water from a Well under a discharge pressure within 'a predetermined pressure range having anupper and lower limit, a pressure compensating device comprising aconduit connected to said pump 'having at least Yone perforated `portion below ground, a casing enclosing said perforated portion of the conduit and expansible vchamber means mounted vwithin said casing vabout the perforated vportion of the conduit for expansion to a volume limited 'by'contact with the casing vin responseto pressure approaching said upper limit. n

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said expansible chamber means comprises an elongated tubular Jirernbef made of a yieldably elastic material, axially displcea'ble means clamping the tubular mem-ber to the vdischarge conduit at spaced `locations beyond opposite axial Vends of the perforated portion of the conduit, and sealing `means engageable with vthe tubular member i 'response to 'eX- pansion lthereof for limiting axial displacement 'of the clamping means to seal the perforated portion of the discharge conduit within the tubular' member.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein said `sealing means comprises end caps secured at axially fixed locations to the conduit extending radially beyond the clamping means. y

4. The 'combination of claim 3 including means mountl Ving the perforated portion of the conduit and the tubular Vmember in concentric relation within the casing, -said tubular mem-ber being collapsible about the perforated portion.

5. The combination of claim 1 including means mounting the perforated portion of the discharge conduit in concentric relation to the casing limiting contraction of the expansion means about the perforated portion.

6. The combination of claim 5 wherein said expansible chamber means comprises an elongated tubular member made of a yieldably elastic material, axially displaceable :means clamping the tubular member to the conduit at spaced locations beyond opposite axial ends ofthe perforated portion of the conduit, and sealing means engageable with the tubular member in response to expansion thereof for limiting axial displacement of the clamping means to seal the perforated portion of the conduit with the tubular member.

7. Aepressure compensating pumping system comprising a motor operated pump, a conduit connected to said pump conducting fluid under discharge pressure of the pump, pressure operated switch means yconnected to the conduit for controlling operation 'of the pump to maintain the discharge pressure within a predetermined pressure range, and pressure compensatormeansV operatively connected to said conduit regulating the discharge pressure to meet demand comprising at least one perforated sec tion in said conduit, an expansible tubular member mounted in concentric relation about the perforated section having opposite axial ends, axially displaceable means clamping said ends of the tubular member to the conduit for sealing the perforated section Within the tubular member and rigid casing means enclosing the tubular member for limiting axial and radial expansion thereof.

8. In combination with a pump connected to a conduit, a pressure compensator connected to said Iconduit for regulating the discharge pressure Within a predetermined pressure range to meet demand, comprising at least one perforated section in said conduit, an expansible tubular member mounted in concentric radially spaced relation to the perforated section throughout the length thereof, axially displaceable means clamping opposite axial ends of the tubular member to the conduit for sealing the perforated section Within the tubular member and rigid casing means enclosing the tubular member and engageable therewith for limiting radial expansion of the tubular member.

9. The combination of claim 8 including sealing means xedly secured to the conduit in enclosing relation to the axial ends of the tubular member and the clamping means for limiting axial expansion of the tubular member.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,787,220 4/ 1957 Patterson et al. 10S-223 X 2,875,787 3/ 1959 Evans 103--223 X 3,065,698 11/ 1962 Andrew 10S- 223 X ROBERT M. WALK-ER, Primary Examiner. 

